By Aruna M. Kargbo
In the matter of alleged defamation between the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) as first plaintiff and the New Age Newspaper as first defendant, the Managing Director of the SLCB, Yusufu Abdul Silla, took to the dock as 2nd plaintiff and first witness in the matter, to give his witness statement.
Giving his witness statement, when asked by the lawyer representing the plaintiffs, Yeawoma Gborie Esq., if he is aware that the SLCB was taken to court, Managing Director Yusufu Abdul Silla responded that he is not aware.
However, during cross examination by the lawyer for the defendants, Sigismund Austin Conteh Esq, he responded in the affirmative that he is aware of the matter.
During his witness statement, MD Silla said that the publications were untrue and that they touch on his professional and personal life in a negative manner.
He said that one of the newspaper captions stated that SLCB MD Yusufu Abdul Silla to pay Le10 billion for estate fraud. That the mention of the word ‘Fraud’ has a far-reaching effect, considering the fact that they deal with international partners and loyal customers, who are concerned, and that he received calls from relatives and friends who expressed concern.
When asked by Lawyer Conteh if the concerns, as expressed, form part of papers filed in the court, he said no.
He testified that prior to the publications, he received a text message from an unknown number making enquiry on the matter, but that he directed the texter to the Director of Corporate Affairs, whom, he said, speaks on behalf of the bank on such public matters. And that he followed it up with a call to ensure that the Director of Corporate Affairs put a call through to the texter. “As I speak, I am not aware of any matter and I have not been dragged to court, as the New Age stated,” Yusufu Abdul Silla said.
Justice Adrian Fisher adjourned that matter to Wednesday 29th October 2025 with the hope of hearing from all witnesses in the matter, noting that the matter is one that is very sensitive and therefore requires attention and carefulness.